Environment Secretary Michael Gove has appointed Henry Dimbleby, co-founder of restaurant chain Leon and of the Sustainable Restaurant Association, to lead the first major review of the UK food system in nearly 75 years.

Mr Dimbleby will investigate the entire food system, from field to fork, and consider what changes are needed; his recommendations will result in a new National Food Strategy, set to be published in 2020.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: “Leaving the EU is a great opportunity for British farmers and food producers. But with an expanding population, the urgent threat of climate change and rising levels of diet-related disease, we face many challenges too.

“That is why the time is right for us to look afresh at our food system to ensure everyone has access to high-quality British food and our environment is protected for future generations.”

NFU president Minette Batters said she was very pleased to see that the Government is taking food production seriously and putting plans in place for a national food strategy – this review is long overdue.

Mrs Batters added: “It is crucial that this strategy delivers for everyone – from food producers to families across the country, regardless of their income. Safe, traceable, affordable food that is produced to high standards of animal welfare and environmental protection is a right for all and British farmers should be the number one supplier of this.

“The NFU has done some early work with Henry Dimbleby on what a food strategy can look like and I am delighted that he has included much of this in his framework. We are looking forward to working with his review to deliver a food system that is fair for all.”